Title

Story Author

Story Image

Story Date

8/24/2009

Story Abstract

Story

Students may have been surprised to see that the familiar intersection at Taylor Circle and University Drive changed into a roundabout over the summer months.

Although perhaps unexpected by students, the change had been in the works with the city of Collegedale for more than a year. The roundabout is meant to address two important issues: safety and aesthetics. More traffic was introduced into the area with the construction and further development of the Hulsey Wellness Center, construction that includes an extension of Taylor Circle to the other side of University Drive. Vehicles attempting to pull out of the original Taylor Circle would have come across vehicles pulling out from the new half of the circle, creating an environment ripe for accidents.

A roundabout provided the solution, enabling traffic to move more smoothly and safely. The roundabout should also cause speeding vehicles to slow down, making the nearby crosswalk safer for students to use.

The design and location of the roundabout also contribute to the campus’ visual attractiveness.

“The roundabout will give a sense of place and identity to the university,” says President Gordon Beitz. “It will take a period of time to get used to the change, but I am confident that it will enhance the campus.”

Once it is fully completed, the roundabout will combine old and new elements of Southern’s architectural design and will ultimately display the university’s name, low landscaping, and a low fountain.

Photo: Dean Scott

Include feature

Yes

Approval Status

Approved

Attachments

Version:
4.0

Created at 8/24/2009 3:01 PM by Isaac James

Last modified at 9/23/2009 10:06 AM by Isaac James

Roundabout Added to Enhance Safety

by Meredith Rodriguez

August 24, 2009

Students may have been surprised to see that the familiar intersection at Taylor Circle and University Drive changed into a roundabout over the summer months.

Although perhaps unexpected by students, the change had been in the works with the city of Collegedale for more than a year. The roundabout is meant to address two important issues: safety and aesthetics. More traffic was introduced into the area with the construction and further development of the Hulsey Wellness Center, construction that includes an extension of Taylor Circle to the other side of University Drive. Vehicles attempting to pull out of the original Taylor Circle would have come across vehicles pulling out from the new half of the circle, creating an environment ripe for accidents.

A roundabout provided the solution, enabling traffic to move more smoothly and safely. The roundabout should also cause speeding vehicles to slow down, making the nearby crosswalk safer for students to use.

The design and location of the roundabout also contribute to the campus’ visual attractiveness.

“The roundabout will give a sense of place and identity to the university,” says President Gordon Beitz. “It will take a period of time to get used to the change, but I am confident that it will enhance the campus.”

Once it is fully completed, the roundabout will combine old and new elements of Southern’s architectural design and will ultimately display the university’s name, low landscaping, and a low fountain.